The practices last year said:
“This will bring a number of benefits for patients. For example, this will ensure that patients
of every practice can benefit from some of the more specialist clinical support
that is now available in our GP surgeries.

“Another example is that some
services – such as evening opening of surgeries – will work better if they can
be used by a wider range of patients than at present.

“Closer joint working will
also ensure that the practices have a sound and sustainable financial basis for
continuing to invest in new staff, facilities and equipment for patients.”

They said: “There will be no
change to normal GP services. Over time,
we aim to increase the number of services and locations from which you will be
able to access primary care services.

“For example, if one surgery
is closed (e.g. for a half-day closing) then in time you may be able to be seen
at another of the surgeries instead.”